a circumstance where rapid deceleration
could result in a loss of vehicle control.
The DSR regulates the vehicle’s speed in
automatic transmission positions D, or R.
iIn addition, make use of the engine’s
braking effect by shifting the automatic
transmission into a lower gear.
You can drive slower or faster than the set
speed at any time by braking the vehicle or
depressing the accelerator pedal.
iWhenever the DSR is switched on, the
DSR will use the programmed default
speed to regulate the vehicle’s speed. The
default speed programmed at the factory is
4 mph (Canada: 6 km/h). The default speed
can be reprogrammed using the control
system (Y page 138). The next time the
DSR is switched on, the DSR will use the
newly programmed default speed to
regulate the vehicle’s speed.
Once the DSR is switched on, you can
adjust the set speed using the cruise
control lever (Y page 142). Keep in mind
that adjusting the set speed using the
cruise control lever with the DSR switched
on will not change the programmed default
speed. If the DSR is switched off and then
switched on again, the DSR will use the
programmed default speed.
Depending on the road surface and level of
downhill grade, the DSR may not be able to
maintain the set speed. To maintain the set
speed, apply the brakes if necessary.
Switching the DSR on/offGWarning!
If the accelerator pedal is depressed while the
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) is activated,
the vehicle can drive faster than the
programmed set speed. You should therefore
drive downhill with particular caution as it
could otherwise lead to an accident and/or
serious injury to you or others. Keep in mind
that as soon as you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal with the DSR switched on,
the DSR will start regulating the vehicle’s
speed including use of brakes if required.
Depending on the programmed set speed,
actual vehicle speed and gradient, the DSR
can cause the vehicle to slow down rapidly.
Sudden and unexpected deceleration can
result in loss of vehicle control, causing an
accident and/or serious personal injury to
you and others.
Switching on the DSR
The DSR can only be switched on if the vehicle
speed is below 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h).
XPress DSR switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
The message DSR and the set speed appear
in the multifunction display.
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iIf the DSR is switched on at a speed above
20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h), the message
DSR Max. Speed 20 MPH (Canada:
30 km/h) appears in the multifunction
display.
For information on how to program the set
speed while driving, see “Adjusting the DSR
speed” (Y page 154).
Switching off the DSR
XPress DSR switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
The message DSR Off appears in the
multifunction display.
iAt a speed above approximately 21 mph
(Canada approximately: 35 km/h), the DSR
is automatically switched off. The message
DSR Off appears in the multifunction
display and an acoustic signal sounds. For
information on how to switch the DSR on
again, see “Switching on the DSR”
(Y page 153).
Adjusting the DSR speed
With the DSR switched on (Y page 153), the
speed setting can be changed using the
cruise control lever.
Cruise control lever
You can change the set speed between
3-10 mph (Canada: 4-18 km/h).
You can increase or reduce the set speed in
two ways.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments each
time you lift or depress the cruise control
lever to the resistance point.
Increase set speed:
XBriefly lift the cruise control lever up to the
resistance point in direction of arrow :.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in increments
of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).
Reduce set speed:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever down
to the resistance point in direction of
arrow ;.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in increments
of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed, DSR
will appear in the multifunction display and
the changed set speed is shown.
The set speed is canceled when the DSR is
switched off. If the DSR is switched on again,
the DSR will use the programmed default
speed (Y page 138).
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments each
time you lift or depress the cruise control
lever past the resistance point.
Increase set speed:
XBriefly lift the cruise control lever up past
the resistance point in direction of
arrow :.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in increments
of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
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Reduce set speed:XBriefly press the cruise control lever down
past the resistance point in direction of
arrow ;.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in increments
of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed, DSR
will appear in the multifunction display and
the changed set speed is shown.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
has reached the new set speed.
The set speed is canceled when the DSR is
switched off. If the DSR is switched on again,
the DSR will use the programmed default
speed (Y page 138).
Off-road driving program
The off-road driving program is designed to
assist the driver when driving off-road in
terrain and crossing water. The off-road
driving program adjusts the engine power and
shifting of the automatic transmission to be
more suitable for the off-road use of the
vehicle. In addition, the ABS, ESP®, and 4-ETS
designed for off-road use are automatically
activated.
In the following situations you should switch
to the off-road driving program:
Rduring off-road driving
Rwhen crossing water (Y page 251)
Rwhen towing up or down on steep gradients
Example illustration: All models, exceptML 63 AMG
iIn AMG vehicles you can switch the Off-
road driving program on or off via the
control system (Y page 125).
XSwitching on: Press switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The symbol
Ç appears in the lower multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: Press switch : again.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The symbol
Ç disappears.
Air suspension program
The system lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The system consists of two components. The
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(Y page 156) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 156).
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ML 63 AMG
The air suspension program is part of the ML
63 AMG standard equipment range.
Due to the vehicle’s sportier suspension
tuning, in comparison with standard vehicles,
the level positions in the ADS settings as well
as the speed thresholds for raising and
lowering the vehicle have been modified.
From the highway/high-speed level, the
vehicle is lowered to the ADS SPORT level
approximately 20 seconds after it is locked.
From the raised level, the vehicle is not
lowered after it is locked. When the engine is
started, the previously selected setting, e.g.
ADS COMF, is selected again.
! Be sure to observe this vehicle’s differing
values for ground clearance and vehicle
height in comparison to standard vehicles.
You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
Observe the values for
Ropening the tailgate
Rdriving off-road
Rthe vehicle’s main dimensions in the
“Technical data” section
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is
controlled electronically and operates
continuously. It adjusts the damping
characteristics to the current operating and
driving conditions. The damping is adjusted
individually for each wheel. Driving safety and
tire comfort are increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on:
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings
The following settings are available:
RAUTO (for normal driving situations)
Indicator lamps ; and = are off.
RSPORT (for sporty driving)
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
With the ADS SPORT setting, the vehicle is
lowered approximately 0.6 in (15 mm).
ML63 AMG:
With the ADS SPORT setting, the vehicle is
lowered approximately 0.3 in (8 mm).
RCOMF (for comfort driving)
Indicator lamp = comes on.
ML63 AMG:
The vehicle is raised approximately 0.28 in
(7 mm).
XStart the engine.XPress ADS switch : repeatedly until the
desired suspension tuning is reached.
The setting remains stored when you turn off
the engine.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height to increase vehicle safety and to
reduce fuel consumption.
Changes to the vehicle level should be made
while the vehicle is moving. The vehicle will
then reach the set level as fast as possible.
When you park the vehicle and the ambient
temperature changes, the vehicle level may
change visibly. When the temperature drops,
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LevelDriving situationRaised levelFor off-road driving or
driving in rough terrain.
Indicator lamp ; is on.Highway
levelFor driving on paved roads
in fair or better condition.
Indicator lamp ; is off.
i
The third available level is the highspeed
level that is set automatically.
The following is the approximate change in
ride height for each of the level settings:
LevelRide heightRaised level+2.3 in (60 mm)Highway
level 16+/-0 in (0 mm)Highspeed
level-0.6 in (-15 mm)
i Vehicles with ADS:
Depending on the ADS setting
( Y page 156), the vehicle will be lowered to
the highspeed level when traveling at
higher speeds. At speeds below 40 mph
(64 km/h) at the latest, it will be returned
to the highway level.
i The highspeed level is not available when
towing a trailer. For more information on
towing a trailer, see “Trailer towing”
( Y page 254).
Basic settings (ML 63 AMG)
The following vehicle chassis ride heights can
be selected using vehicle level control
switch : in the center console:
LevelDriving situationRaised levelFor off-road driving or
driving in rough terrain.
Indicator lamp ; is on.Highway
levelFor driving on paved roads
in fair or better condition.
Indicator lamp ; is off.
i
The third available level is the highspeed
level that is set automatically.
How much the vehicle is lowered or raised
depends on the ADS setting selected. At the
raised level, the vehicle is 2.9 in (73 mm)
higher than at the highway level with ADS
AUTO .
Raised level
Only select the raised level if appropriate for
the driving situation encountered. Otherwise
the fuel consumption may increase and/or
the handling characteristics of the vehicle
may be unfavorable.
i You can select the raised level at speeds
up to 40 mph (64 km/h). At higher speeds,
the message Á Level Selection
Not Permitted appears in the
multifunction display.
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
XPress vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the raised level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
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iThe message can be cleared by pressing
the V, U, & or * button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
When the raised level is reached, indicator
lamp ; comes on continuously and the
following message appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds:
Highway level
! Keep in mind that on rough or uneven
roads, adjusting the vehicle to a lower level
may cause the vehicle underbody to come
in contact with the road and result in
damage to the vehicle underbody. Always
make sure the vehicle has sufficient ground
clearance before adjusting it to a lower
level.
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is on:
XPress vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the highway level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
being set:
iThe message can be cleared by pressing
the V, U, & or * button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
When the highway level is reached, indicator
lamp ; goes out and the following message
appears in the multifunction display for
approximately 5 seconds:
The vehicle is lowered to the highway level
automatically if the vehicle speed is above
55 mph (88 km/h) or if the vehicle speed
stays between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 55 mph
(88 km/h) for approximately 20 seconds.
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the
ESP® (Y page 63) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) (Y page 64).
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Front area warning indicators
Rear area warning indicators
Each warning indicator is divided into five
yellow and two red distance segments for left
side : and right side ; of the vehicle. The
Parktronic system is ready to measure when
the yellow readiness indicators = are
illuminated.
The current transmission position determines
which warning indicator will be activated.
Current
transmission
position
Warning indicatorDFront area activatedR or NFront and rear area
activated
As your vehicle approaches an object, one or
more distance segments will illuminate,
depending on the distance. When the seventh
distance segment illuminates, you have
reached the minimum distance.
RFront area: An intermittent acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds
will sound as the first red distance segment
illuminates. A constant acoustic warning
lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound
for the second red distance segment. The
signal is canceled when the automatic
transmission is shifted into park
position P or the parking brake is engaged.
RRear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds
will sound as the first red distance segment
illuminates. A constant acoustic warning
lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound
for the second red distance segment. The
signal is canceled when the automatic
transmission is shifted into drive
position D, or park position P, or the
parking brake is engaged.
Switching the Parktronic system on/
off
The Parktronic system switches on
automatically when the ignition is switched
on.
Example illustration: All models, except ML 450HYBRID
XSwitching off: Press Parktronic
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
XSwitching on: Press Parktronic switch :
again.
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Trailer towing
The rear Parktronic sensors will be
deactivated when you have established the
electrical connection between your vehicle
and the trailer you are about to tow.
! The distance between the sensors in the
bumpers and an obstacle is referred to as
the minimum range of the Parktronic. A
trailer hitch will reduce the distance to an
obstacle. Keep this in mind to avoid any
damage.
Parktronic system malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp ; in Parktronic switch : comes on.
XHave the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp ; in Parktronic switch :
comes on.
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean the Parktronic system sensors
( Y page 263).XSwitch on the ignition.
orXCheck the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.
Rear view camera
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid.
The area behind the vehicle appears in the
COMAND system display as a mirror image,
like in the rear view mirror.
In addition, the rear view camera contains
guidelines to help you with driving in reverse.GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
GWarning!
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
R from a distorted perspective
R inaccurately
R may not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R above the tailgate handle
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in front of, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endanger yourself and/or others.
GWarning!
The rear view camera either will not function
or will not function to its full capability if
R the tailgate is open
R it is raining very hard, snowing or foggy
R it is night or you are parking/maneuvering
your vehicle in an area where it is very dark
R the camera is exposed to a very bright white
light
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